Ready Report: August 29, 2016

Monday, August 29, 2016

This update contains information about the ruling in the Maryland redistricting lawsuit, a meeting about the future of the North Carroll High School facility, a repeal of a septic mandate, a meeting about the relocation of the Finksburg post office, volunteer opportunities, and an upcoming road closure.

A lawsuit challenging Maryland’s contorted congressional district map on First Amendment grounds has merit and should go forward, a three-judge Panel ruled on Wednesday. The map, drawn by Maryland Democrats following the 2010 Census, essentially guarantees that that 7 of the states 8 congressional seats would be under their party’s control. On Tuesday, a judicial panel ruled in favor of a Maryland-based federal redistricting lawsuit moving forward. Governor Hogan commented, “The redistricting that took place in 2010, and in decades prior, have drastically infringed on the rights of Maryland citizens to have both their voices and the votes heard.”

Governor Hogan’s Septic Announcement

Last week in Ocean City, at the Maryland Association of Counties conference, Governor Hogan announced that he plans to repeal costly septic regulations many in Carroll County have opposed. This would end a mandate implemented by former Gov. Martin O’Malley that required new construction and those replacing septic systems to use expensive, high-tech systems. While development closer to the bay will have to continue to abide by the mandate, the announcement is welcome in Carroll County, where high-tech systems have made the cost of development in the county increase.

LOCAL NEWS

North Carroll High School “What Happens Next”

Commissioner Richard Weaver, representing Carroll County Government, will be hosting a town hall meeting at Hampstead Volunteer Fire Company hall on Monday, August 29th at 7 p.m. to discuss what happens next with the North Carroll High School Building & Property. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. The town is eager to hear what ideas and suggestions may be presented.

Potential Relocation of Finksburg Post Office

The US Postal Service is proposing a new Finksburg Post Office. The Postal Service will hold a public meeting about this project on Tuesday, August 30th at 6:00 pm at the Finksburg Public Library, 2265 Old Westminster Pike. For 30 days after the public meeting, written comments may be submitted to: Richard Hancock, Real Estate Specialist, United Postal Service, PO Box 27497, Greensboro, NC 27498-1103, Richard.a.hancock2@usps.gov.